JOURNAL

SPEAKING BOOKS

Literacy is a luxury that many of us take for granted. We depend on written communication for information, guidance, and access to heath care information That is why SADAG created SPEAKING BOOKS and revolutionized the way information is delivered to low literacy communities. It's exactly what it sounds like.a book that talks to the reader in his or her local language, delivering critical information in an interactive, and educational way.

The customizable 16-page book, accompanied by local celebrity audio recordings, ensures that vital health and social messages can be seen, heard, read and understood..

We started with books on Teen Suicide prevention , HIV, AIDS and Depression, Understanding Mental Health and have developed over 30 titles, such as TB, Malaria, Polio, Vaccines for over 30 countries.

ADHD Helpline Launched

SANDTON – The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has officially launched their new toll-free Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) line aimed at assisting those affected by the disorder.

Khanyisile Ngcobo | 19 September 2014 08:30

Assisting others... The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has launched an ADHD helpline to assist those suffering from the disorder.

The helpline was officially launched on ADHD Awareness Day on 14 September. Cassey Chambers, operations director at Sadag, said,”We often receive calls from parents of affected children and even adults affected by the disorder, so we decided to have a line dedicated to dealing with such cases.”

Chambers added that the helpline was a result of an educational grant from Janssen, an international group of pharmaceutical companies, and would allow Sadag to provide assistance and resources for those affected by the disorder. She further added that the helpline would assist teachers and general practitioners in reaching out and identifying those affected by the disorder.

According to the organisation, about 10 percent of South Africans have the disorder, with it possibly being present from birth or early childhood, and usually persists through to adulthood.

Dr Frans Korb, a psychiatrist, stressed the need to educate, support and raise awareness of the disorder and highlighted that a diagnosis could only be done by a mental health professional.

“Diagnosing ADHD is not a simple process and it is very important that potential physical issues are discounted and that time is spent taking complete histories to properly assess behaviour,” said Korb.

The helpline number is 0800 55 44 33 and is toll-free.

Details: www.sadag.org

EMERGENCY LINES

Dr Reddy's Help Line0800 21 22 23

Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline0800 456 789

Pharmadynamics Police &Trauma Line0800 20 50 26

Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline0800 70 80 90

ADHD Helpline0800 55 44 33

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline0800 12 13 14SMS 32312